Neves shuts down Arsenal and Newcastle links as he commits future to Al-Hilal

Cameron Smith

3 Dec 2023 19:55 GMT
3 min read

Ruben Neves is at the heart of the related-party loan debate — © ProShots

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves has shut down links with a January transfer following reported interest from Newcastle United and Arsenal.

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The Portugal international joined Al-Hilal for €55 million during the summer transfer window, but the Saudi Pro League’s links with Newcastle caused Neves to be linked with a winter loan move to St James’ Park.

Arsenal have also been touted to move for Neves, although Fabrizio Romano has shut down those links. The transfer expert recently told his YouTube channel: “The top target is Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa. There is nothing with Ruben Neves despite rumours.

“But for Douglas Luiz, from my understanding, it’s not an easy deal. Arsenal will try, Arsenal dream of him, but it’s not something concrete.”

Although Arsenal won’t land Neves, Newcastle have been linked with a move for the former Wolves midfielder as they look to sign a replacement for Italy international Sandro Tonali. He will miss the rest of the 2023-24 season due to a worldwide betting ban.

But, Neves himself has effectively ruled out a move to St James’ Park or anywhere else.

© ProShots - Newcastle are looking to sign a replacement for Sandro Tonali

What has Neves said?

"I don't go,” Neves told BBC Sport. I think that's rumours because of the owner of the clubs of course, and because I've played in England as well.

"There was Newcastle interest before I came here but I'm really happy here, my family's really happy, so I'm having a great time,” Neves revealed.

“Everything is going really well for me and I want to stay here.”

Neves’ Al-Hilal are currently top of the Saudi Pro League after beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr 3-0 on Friday evening.

They have 41 points from the opening 15 league matches and are currently unbeaten, with 13 wins and two draws so far this season. Al-Nassr are second, but they are now seven points behind the league leaders.